THE PHILIPPINES-JAPAN SOCIETY, INC.
by unanimous resolution of its Board of Directors
proudly confers upon
ALFONSO T. YUCHENGCO
this
MEDAL OF MERIT
in grateful recognition of his exemplary contributions to
the development and growth of economic and business relations
between the Philippines and Japan,
and for fostering deeper understanding and friendship
between our two people.
ALFONSO T. YUCHENGCO was born the only son to Enrique and Maria Tiaoqui Yuchengco on February 6, 1923 in Manila. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from the Far Eastern University in 1949 and undertook graduate studies in business at Colombia University in New York. Returning to Manila, he joined his father in managing the family’s various businesses, notable the Mapayan Insurance Company. By the time Don Enrique passed away in 1953, young Alfonso was securely at the helm of Malayan Insurance. Before long, the expansion and diversification of his business interests began to unfold, revealing not only a deep talent for business but more importantly perhaps, a steely strength of character, shaped by integrity, hard work, and vision.
Today, Mr. Yuchengco spearheads one of the Philippines’ largest and most respected business conglomerates engaged in a broad spectrum of strategic business activities as banking, iknsurance, finance, trading, manufacturing, agribusiness and aqua-ventures, real estate development, mining, fast foods, management and investments. Through several holding companies, the Yuchengco Group is also into telecommunications, oil exploration, power generation, automobile assembly.
Few are gifted and honored as Mr. Yuchengco who has bee conferred with numerous coveted appointments, awards and distinctions. In May 1986, he was appointed Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China by H.E. President Corazon C. Aquino where he served with distinction from 1986 to 1988. As diplomat par excellence, Ambassador Yuchengco was thereafter chosen by his peers as president of the Philippine Ambassadors Association. Among others, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the De la Salle University (1983) and an Honorary Professorship by the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (1986). In 1992, H.E. President Fidel V. Ramos named Ambassador Yuchengco, Member, The National Centennial Commission where he chairs the Committee on Private Sector Affairs. In 1995, he was unanimously elected President of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI). In his personal capacity and as Founder-Chairman of the AY Foundation, Ambassador Yuchengco’s active pursuit of and generous support for charitable, civic and artistic endeavors is legend.
Tonight, we honor Ambassador Yuchengco, not so much as the preeminent Philippine business leader that he is, but for his eminent achievements in promoting closer and friendlier Philippines-Japan relations, especially in business and education. The Yuchengco Group has forged long-standing and highly successful partnerships with the most prestigious of Japanese companies, such as: Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., Fuji Xerox, Honda Motors, Eisai Co., Ltd., Sanwa Bank, the Daiwa Group, Daiwa Securities and Daiei, Inc. He is member of the International Board of Advisors of the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan. Currently, Ambassador Yuchengco is Chairman of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) which hosted the just concluded 17th Joint Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Committees of the Philippines and Japan. He is also the Co-Chairman of the Philippine Delegation to the ASEAN-Japan Businessmen’s Meeting (AJBM). Ambassador Yuchengco is a Director of the Philippines-Japan Society. Ambassador Yuchengco’s AY Foundation is among the major donors to the Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture – the country’s only Nihongo school offering a full-time, intensive Japanese language course. In August 1994, the De La Salle University and the Waseda University, jointly undertook the establishment of the Yuchengco Institute of Philippines-Japan Relations – the newest think tank dedicated towards the deepening of understanding and the strengthening of relations between the Philippines and Japan. Ambassador Yuchengco is its Chairman.
On November 15, 1993, Ambassador Yuchengco was conferred by His Majesty The Emperor of Japan, the – Order of the Sacred Treasure Gold and Silver Star, in recognition of his outstanding contributions in promoting Japan-Philippines-Economic relations and in fostering mutual understanding.
Recognizing therefore Ambassador Yuchengco’s outstanding achievements and signal contributions in developing and promoting business cooperation and educational exchange between the Philippines and Japan, and for actively fostering understanding and friendship between our two peoples, the Philippines-Japan Society is privileged and honored to confer upon the Honorable Alfonso T. Yuchengco, this Medal of Merit – the highest within its gift to bestow.
Given at Makati, Metro Manila, this 28th day of February in the Year of our Lord Nineteen Hundred and Ninety Five, the Twenty Fourth year of the Society and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the End of the Pacific War.
JOSE S. LAUREL III BENJAMIN F. SANVICTORES
President Emeritus President
Attest:
BENJAMIN C. LAUREL
Secretary-General
Philippines Japan Society Medal of Merit Awardees 